Stepping into Elmina must be like the first time someone sets foot on the continent of Africa. The décor, music, and scent of slow-cooked spices all welcome you like a long-lost relative returning home after a long journey. My first impression of Elmina was positive. The new restaurant on 14th Street, NW, has an understated exterior, but the inside feels warm and thoughtfully curated with several nods to Ghana, families of origin and a love of Black people.
Though the greater D.C. area is no stranger to ethnic cuisine, especially across the African diaspora, the city leans heavily into East African cuisine. I was elated to see Chef Adjepong bring his vision of an elevated West African tasting menu to the district.
My friend Dr. W and I managed to snag a table on a Thursday night, an incredible feat given the establishment’s rapid popularity. When we walked in, Elmina was filled to the brim. The sounds of ‘90s R&B baited us as we made our way to our table. The tasting menu was lavishly designed and constructed, bound in leather with “Elmina” embossed across the front. The letter inside was a dedication to Ghana and Chef Adjepong’s childhood.
The menu is an ambitious culinary journey, offering four courses as a tasting experience. For the portion sizes and quality of food, I found the $105 per person price for the tasting to be quite reasonable. At the top of April, Elmina announced it would be increasing the price of the tasting experience to $135 per person. In comparison, similar experiences start at $150 per person. The standout for me that night — the fufu and braised goat offered a playful yet respectful twist on a West African classic, comforting in its roots, but with just enough flair to keep the palate intrigued.
All in all, Elmina is a restaurant that will be on my list of frequent visits.
Price: $$$$ (out of $$$$$)
Location and parking: Difficult during peak nights (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Best dish: The oysters (they pack an unexpected spicy punch)
Do: Let the staff pick your drinks for you and dress up
Don’t: Overorder — the portion sizes are plentiful
Ideal patronage: Date night, girls’ night out, solo diners
Until next time,
Thank you for the review ! I’m can’t wait to check this place out. I loved him on Top Chef!
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